CTS sees signs of container upturn

Container Trade Statistics says an aggregated volume data survey shows the container shipping industry "may be finally pulling out of one of its longest recessions in history."
"Overall, global containerized exports in August grew by 6.25 percent to 10,949,700 TEUs compared to August of last year. Underpinning the latest expansion was a sixth straight month of year-on-year growth, the strongest since April," the firm said.
The CTS Website shows both imports and exports from North America running ahead of last year's pace.
The U.K.-based firm explained its latest survey highlights "total exports from Asia (including intra-Asia) to all overseas markets monitored by CTS showed robust growth across the board and edged up by a much higher 7.29 percent to 6,240,000 TEUs compared to August last year. Exports to all overseas markets monitored by CTS gained further momentum with the markets to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa leading the on-going recovery for the second consecutive month.
"In the opposite direction, containerized liftings into Asia showed positive growth for the first time since January. Imports from all overseas markets went up by 5.12 percent to 3,899,100 TEUs compared to August last year, with data from the markets of India Subcontinent and Middle East, South and Central America pointing to a welcome upswing," the firm added.
The CTS Global Price Index, which monitors both spot and contract freight rates, reflected the continued rebound in volumes and went up 1 point to 88, however the index is still trailing by 11 points compared to August 2012.